WVAS Local News

Alabama House Republicans have a legislative agenda that could put the state at odds with the Obama administration. One measure aims to slow down federal efforts to stiffen gun control regulations through federal laws or executive orders. Another would allow Alabama employers to opt out of parts of the federal health care plan.

Alabama Democratic Party

The Alabama Democratic Party is opening a field office in Birmingham. The party has its headquarters near the Capitol in Montgomery. But party Chairman Mark Kennedy says it will have a field office in downtown Birmingham next to the Harbert Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday with Birmingham Mayor William Bell. Jefferson County and Montgomery County were two areas where the party did well in last November's general election.

Army Officer Charged

An Army officer from north Alabama facing child sexual assault charges in Colorado and Alabama is also a suspect in Texas. Police in Texarkana, Texas said Wednesday that DNA from First Lt. Aaron Gregory Lucas matched DNA in a 2009 kidnapping and indecency case there. The 31-year-old Lucas is an artillery officer assigned to Fort Carson, just outside Colorado Springs. He is being held without bail on suspicion of sexual assault and other offenses including kidnapping. Lucas also faces charges of child enticement and sexual abuse of a child younger that 12 in Madison, Alabama.

ASU Marching Hornets

The Mighty Marching Hornets are returning to Mobile for the second straight year and will be featured in this month's Senior Bowl half-time activities. AL.com reports the Alabama State University band, the Honey Bees dance group and the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders will entertain the crowd. This year's Senior Bowl will be played January 26th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.